As a a first time mom to a new baby, it can be overwhelming to consider all the learning and growing they will do in such a short time!
While all kids develop in different time frames there are some known guidelines that you can use to feel like you are staying "on track".
Remember, these are just guidelines, and a healthy child may achieve a milestone earlier or later than average. If your child is lagging in several areas, contact your pediatrician for advice. Here are a few key steps for each month:
By the end of month one a baby typically:
Lifts head for short periods of time
Moves head from side to side
Prefers the human face to other shapes
Makes jerky, arm movements
Brings hands to face
May turn towards familiar sounds or voices
Responds to loud sounds
Blinks at bright lights
By the end of month two a baby typically:
Smiles
Tracks objects with his eyes
Makes noises other than crying
May repeat vowel noises, such as "ah" or "ooh"
By the end of month three a baby typically:
Raises head and chest when put on tummy
Kicks and straightens legs when on back
Open and shuts hands
Pushes down with legs when placed on a hard surface
Reaches for dangling objects
Grasps and shakes hand toys
Tracks moving objects
Recognizes familiar objects and people, even at a distance
Begins to develop a social smile
Begins to develop hand-eye coordination
Brings both hands together
Holds head up with control
By the end of month four a baby typically:
May sleep about six hours at night before waking (total sleep typically 14 to 17 hours)
Rolls over (usually stomach to back is first)
Sits with support
Lifts head up 90 degrees
Can follow a moving object for a 180-degree arc
Babbles and amuses self with new noises
Responds to all colors and shades
Explores objects with his mouth
Recognizes a bottle or breast
Communicates pain, fear, loneliness and discomfort through crying
Responds to a rattle or bell
By the end of month five a baby typically:
Pays attention to small objects
Experiments with the concept of cause and effect
Can see across the room
Begins to use hands in a raking fashion to bring toys near
Begins teething process
By the end of month six a baby typically:
Keeps head level when pulled to sitting position
Makes some vowel-consonant sounds
Sits by self with minimal support
Opens mouth for spoon
Reaches for and grabs objects
Rolls over and back
Drinks from a cup with help
Can hold bottle
By the end of month seven a baby typically:
Can self-feed some finger foods
Makes wet razzing sounds
Turns in the direction of a voice
Plays peekaboo
Imitates many sounds
Distinguishes emotions by tone of voice
By the end of month eight a baby typically:
Chews on objects
Reaches for utensils when being fed
Turns head away when finished eating
May sleep between 11 and 13 hours a night; takes 2 to 3 naps (may vary)
Rolls all the way around
Sits unsupported
Gets on arms and knees in crawling position
Has specific cries for various needs
Babbles enthusiastically
Tests gravity by dropping objects over edge of high chair
Responds to own name
Has different reactions for different family members
Shows some anxiety when removed from parent
Reaches for toys
Drops objects and then looks for them
Becomes interested in grabbing the spoon during feedings
Goes from tummy to sitting by self
Picks up tiny objects
Begins to identify self in a mirror's reflection
By the end of month ten a baby typically:
Understands the concept of object permanence
Gets upset if toy is removed
Transfers object from hand to hand
Stands holding onto someone
Pulls to standing
By the end of month eleven a baby typically:
Says "ma-ma" and "da-da" discriminately
Understands "no"
Claps hands
Waves bye-bye
By the end of month twelve a baby typically:
May take one to two naps daily
Triples birth weight and is 29 to 32 inches long
Bangs two cubes together
Puts objects into containers and then takes them out
Voluntarily lets objects go
Shakes head "no"
Has fun opening and closing cabinet doors
Crawls well
"Cruises" furniture
Walks with adult help
Says "ma-ma" and "da-da"
"Dances" to music
Interested in books and may identify some things
May understand some simple commands
Fearful of strangers
Shares toys but wants them back
May form attachment to an item
Pushes away what he doesn't want
Prefers to push, pull and dump items
Pulls off hat and socks
Understands use of certain objects
Tests parental responses to behavior
Extends arm or leg when getting dressed
Identifies self in mirror
The most important thing about your babies development is YOU. You can't love this little human TOO MUCH. So give yourself and their development some grace before any panic sets in if they seem a bit behind a curve in one area or another. If you are really concerned, the best advice is to take them to the pediatrician.
Photos: Jamie Lucido Photography
Charlotte, North Carolina